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Cherokee Nation Industries has inked a $5.1 million contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., an industry leader in manufacturing and service of military and commercial aircraft. The tribal enterprise will be providing frame and instrument panel assembly for the S-300C helicopter, a highly versatile piston-engine rotorcraft. Its maneuverability, responsive handling, range and endurance make it ideal for personal transportation, military and civil training, aerial photography, law enforcement patrol and more.

“Aerospace and defense manufacturing is a core industry in Oklahoma and our business portfolio,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “The Cherokee Nation plays a vital role in this industry and is proud to have earned a new multimillion dollar contract with Sikorsky. This new contract creates more jobs in an advanced, high-tech industry.” This is the second, consecutive year Cherokee Nation Industries has received the honor.

The deal comes shortly after Cherokee Nation Industries was honored with a 2013 Sikorsky Gold Supplier award in recognition of the company's exceptional delivery of high quality products in the timeframe needed. Baker said the Gold Supplier certification “reflects the commitment to quality we have established in our advanced manufacturing efforts at CNI.”

The 18-month contract allocates $4 million for the production of 84 instrument panels that integrates all flight instruments, with the exception of customer-specified radios. CNI will also provide frame assembly for 74 aircraft, adding $1.1 million to the contract.

“We have developed a long-standing relationship with Sikorsky and, through that relationship, established a reputation for excellence in our field,” said Chris Moody, president of Cherokee Nation Industries. “We are honored to have the opportunity to expand our work.”

“Maintaining this status rating in such a competitive market is a true testament to our unwavering dedication to quality customer service,” said Moody. “We will continue to work hard every day to ensure the Cherokee Nation is well represented and that the integrity of our industry remains of the highest caliber.”

CNI was established in 1969 to serve as the economic and workforce arm for the Cherokee Nation. The tribal enterprise specializes in aerospace and defense manufacturing, telecommunications and distribution services. The company has offices in Stilwell, Tahlequah, Pryor and Tulsa. CNI is a Cherokee Nation company.